System for monitoring vehicle and operator behavior

ABSTRACT

A system for monitoring operator and motor vehicle behavior, including at least one mobile device; application software resident on the mobile device, wherein the application software is operative to gather and record information relevant to both the behavior of a motor vehicle and the behavior of an operator of the motor vehicle, and wherein the application software is activated or deactivated based on certain predetermined trigger events; and at least one information processor in communication with and/or resident on the mobile device, wherein the information processor is operative to process and characterize the information gathered by the application software and communicate the processed and characterized information to a user of the system.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/477,475 filed on May 22, 2012, and entitled “System forMonitoring Vehicle and Operator Behavior” the disclosure of which ishereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety and made part ofthe present U.S. utility patent application for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The described invention relates in general to systems and methods formonitoring both the behavior of a vehicle and the behavior of anindividual operating the vehicle, and more specifically to a system formonitoring and recording the behavior of a vehicle and the behavior ofthe individual operating the vehicle using a mobile device such as acell phone, smartphone, or the like.

Conventional methods of monitoring the behavior of an operator, whenoperating a motor vehicle, typically require installation of one or moremonitoring devices in the vehicle. Such devices may include an onboardcomputer and multiple sensors that collect vehicle operation data suchas, for example, speed, location, and time of day or data readers thatplug directly into an on-board diagnostic port. As such, thesemonitoring systems are not designed to be portable and cannot be easilytransferred from one vehicle to another. Furthermore, incorrectinstallation may interfere with the normal and safe operation of thevehicle. Additionally, these monitoring systems may limit the monitoringand recording of data to the operation/function of the motor vehicleitself and may not monitor and record information regarding theoperator's own behavior (such as texting or phone usage), which maycause distraction and diminish the ability of the operator to safelyoperate the motor vehicle. Therefore, there is an ongoing need for asystem for monitoring vehicles and the operators of those vehicles thatis portable, does not require installation in the vehicle, and thatrecords information regarding both the behavior and functions of thevehicle and the behavior of the person driving or otherwise operatingthe vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following provides a summary of certain exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention. This summary is not an extensive overview and is notintended to identify key or critical aspects or elements of the presentinvention or to delineate its scope.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a system formonitoring the behavior of a motor vehicle and the behavior of anoperator of that motor vehicle is provided. This system includes atleast one mobile device, wherein the mobile device is not physicallyinstalled in the motor vehicle being monitored; wherein the mobiledevice further includes hardware, software, sensors, and communicationfunctions; wherein the mobile device further includes at least oneinformation processor resident on the mobile device or in communicationwith the mobile device; and wherein the hardware, software, sensors,communication functions and the information processor are operative togather, record, characterize and communicate information about thebehavior of motor vehicle; behavior of the operator of the motorvehicle; details of the geography where the motor vehicle is beingoperated; details of the environment in which the motor vehicle is beingoperated; or combinations thereof; and at least one application softwareresident on the mobile device, wherein the at least one applicationsoftware interfaces with the hardware, software, sensors, communicationfunctions and the information processor to gather, record, characterizeand communicate information about the behavior of the motor vehicle;behavior of the operator of the motor vehicle; details of the geographywhere the motor vehicle is being operated; details of the environment inwhich the motor vehicle is being operated; or combinations thereof; andwherein the at least one application software is activated anddeactivated based on certain predetermined trigger events.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an alternatesystem for for monitoring the behavior of a motor vehicle and thebehavior of an operator of that motor vehicle, comprising: at least onemobile device, wherein the mobile device is not physically connected tothe motor vehicle being monitored; wherein the mobile device includeshardware, software, sensors, and communication functions; wherein thehardware, software, sensors, and communication functions included in themobile device are operative to gather, record, characterize andcommunicate information about the behavior of motor vehicle, thebehavior of the operator of the motor vehicle, details of the geographywhere the motor vehicle is being operated, details of the environment inwhich the motor vehicle is being operated, or combinations thereof; atleast one central control system that includes additional hardware,software, databases, algorithms, and communication functions; whereinthe databases further include information collected from the at leastone mobile device and additional information about the operator, themotor vehicle, geography, environment, or combinations thereof; whereinthe central control system is operative to aggregate and augment datacollected from the at least one mobile device; wherein the additionalhardware, software, databases, algorithms and communication functionsincluded in the central control system are operative to gather, record,characterize and communicate information about the operator, vehicle,geography, environment, or combinations thereof; and at least oneinformation processor.

Additional features and aspects of the present invention will becomeapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading andunderstanding the following detailed description of the exemplaryembodiments. As will be appreciated by the skilled artisan, furtherembodiments of the invention are possible without departing from thescope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings andassociated descriptions are to be regarded as illustrative and notrestrictive in nature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a partof the specification, schematically illustrate one or more exemplaryembodiments of the invention and, together with the general descriptiongiven above and detailed description given below, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention, and wherein:

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the vehicle andoperator monitoring system of the present invention illustrating thecomponents and subsystems thereof;

FIG. 1B is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the vehicle andoperator monitoring system of the present invention illustrating thecomponents of the system that are resident on the handheld device, thecomponents that are resident on the central control system and the meansby which these components communicate internally and externally;

FIG. 1C is a block diagram illustrating that the central control systemof the present invention may be in simultaneous communication with aplurality of handheld devices;

FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of the set-upsubsystem of the vehicle and operator monitoring system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a flow chart illustrating the operation of the administrativecontrol subsystem of the vehicle and operator monitoring system of FIG.1 with regard to data collection;

FIG. 3B is a flow chart illustrating the operation of the administrativecontrol subsystem of the vehicle and operator monitoring system of FIG.1 with regard to data transfer;

FIG. 3C is a flow chart illustrating the operation of the administrativecontrol subsystem of the vehicle and operator monitoring system of FIG.1 with regard to reporting and feedback;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of the data collectionsubsystem of the vehicle and operator monitoring system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of the datatransmission subsystem of the vehicle and operator monitoring system ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a table presenting examples of various trigger events used inthe operation of the vehicle and operator monitoring system of thepresent invention;

FIG. 7A depicts an embodiment of the present invention wherein the userinterface includes a handheld device such as a mobile telephone;

FIG. 7B depicts an embodiment of the present invention wherein the userinterface includes a handheld device such as a mobile telephone and acomputer;

FIG. 7C depicts an embodiment of the present invention wherein the userinterface includes a computer;

FIG. 8 depicts a sample data transmission file in accordance with thevehicle and operator monitoring system of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a first example of a trip summary report in accordance withthe vehicle and operator monitoring system of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a second example of a trip summary report in accordance withthe vehicle and operator monitoring system of the present invention;

FIG. 11A is a first example of a usage summary report in accordance withthe vehicle and operator monitoring system of the present invention;

FIG. 11B is a second example of a usage summary report in accordancewith the vehicle and operator monitoring system of the presentinvention;

FIG. 11C is a third example of a usage summary report in accordance withthe vehicle and operator monitoring system of the present invention;

FIG. 11D is a fourth example of a usage summary report in accordancewith the vehicle and operator monitoring system of the presentinvention;

FIG. 11E is a fifth example of a usage summary report in accordance withthe vehicle and operator monitoring system of the present invention;

FIG. 11F is a sixth example of a usage summary report in accordance withthe vehicle and operator monitoring system of the present invention; and

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the reporting andfeedback subsystem of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are now described withreference to the Figures. Reference numerals are used throughout thedetailed description to refer to the various elements and structures. Inother instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in blockdiagram form for purposes of simplifying the description. Although thefollowing detailed description contains many specifics for the purposesof illustration, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciatethat many variations and alterations to the following details are withinthe scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following embodiments ofthe invention are set forth without any loss of generality to, andwithout imposing limitations upon, the claimed invention.

The present invention relates to a system for monitoring both thebehavior of a motor vehicle and the behavior of the operator of thatmotor vehicle (while the vehicle is being driven or otherwise operated).Relevant data is collected using a mobile telephone, smart phone orother portable device and transmitted to a remote server where the datais further processed, characterized, and reported back to the operatorand/or to another end-user of the system. One or more algorithmsincluded in this invention may be used, developed, or updated to analyzedata gathered by the system and assign a comparative risk rating (orother characterization) to the operator of a vehicle. Data recordedand/or derived from data gathered by this invention may be used forother purposes such as, for example, determining the cost of vehicleinsurance, dispatching emergency services, commercial vehicle and fleetmanagement, route optimization, education, law enforcement, monitoringand supervising young drivers, and marketing location-based products andservices. The present invention gathers useful data from existing mobiledevices such as smart phones and does not require hard-wiring a deviceinto a vehicle or other installation procedures, the incorrect executionof which may affect vehicle function or distract the vehicle's operator.Application software resident on the mobile device component of thisinvention may also be used to independently verify the time using avariety of external sources including the central processing system, oneor more atomic clocks, cellular service providers, or by other means.With reference now to the Figures, one or more specific embodiments ofthis invention shall be described in greater detail.

The block diagram provided in FIG. 1A illustrates the components andsubsystems of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Set-upsubsystem 100 is used by the operator of a motor vehicle to configuremonitoring system 10. Once monitoring system 10 is initially configuredusing set-up subsystem 100, monitoring system 10 then operates withinthe guidance and control of administrative subsystem 101. Administrativesubsystem 101 guides and controls the operations of data collectionsubsystem 102, data transmission subsystem 103, local database 104, datatransmission file 105 and reporting and feedback subsystem 107. Datatransmission subsystem 103 uses data transmission file 105 tocommunicate with central control system 106. Reporting and feedbacksubsystem 107 may provide reports and feedback to a user of monitoringsystem 10 either from local database 104 or from central control system106, or from a combination of both. FIG. 6 is a table presentingexamples of various trigger events used by the subsystems of monitoringsystem 10. These trigger events may be used to start a subsystem, stop asubsystem or modify the behavior of a subsystem.

The block diagram provided in FIG. 1B illustrates the components ofsystem 10 that are resident on handheld device 700, the components thatare resident on central control system 106 and the means by which thesecomponents communicate internally and externally. Local monitoringsystem 112 receives, processes, and stores information from a variety oflocal application software, system components, and/or local hardwareavailable to the mobile device including those shown in FIG. 1B (orother components). Handheld device 700 may also communicate with one ormore satellites 116 and/or mobile network 118. Central control system106 typically includes the components shown in FIG. 1B (or othercomponents) and communicates with handheld device 700 by a variety ofcommunication means including one or more cellular networks, Bluetooth,infrared, and/or internet connection 110. FIG. 1C is a block diagramillustrating that the central control system of the present inventionmay be in simultaneous communication with a plurality of handhelddevices.

The flow chart provided in FIG. 2 illustrates the operation of set-upsubsystem 100. Set-up subsystem 100 is initiated at step 200 when a userfirst starts using monitoring system 10 and each time the user wishes tore-configure monitoring system 10 thereafter. At step 201, set-upsubsystem 100 acquires information such as, for example, confirmation ofsoftware license for use of system 10; date of license grant (initial orrenewed); vehicle identification number; make, model and year of thevehicle. Set-up subsystem 100 also acquires user preferences at step201, which may include auto/manual updates to system software, real-timeversus batch data transmission, data transmission preferences, datasharing, display reports, colors and themes, among others. At step 202,set-up subsystem 100 derives and calculates a plurality of controltriggers for all of the subsystems of monitoring system 10. At step 203,set-up subsystem 100 initiates administrative control subsystem 203.

The flow charts provided in FIGS. 3A-C illustrate the functionality andoperation of administration control subsystem 101, which controls theoperations of all the other subsystems in monitoring system 10.Administrative control subsystem 101 monitors system 10 for a pluralityof trigger events to start, stop or modify the behavior of the othersubsystems. In FIG. 3A, administrative control subsystem 101 controlsthe operation of data collection subsystem 102 by beginning at step 30,acquiring control triggers and user preferences from set-up subsystem100 at step 300 and monitoring system 10 for trigger events at step 301.Decision step 302 is based on the presence of a trigger, or the lackthereof, to initiate data collection subsystem 102. Lack of a triggerresults in no action at step 303, while the presence of a “start”trigger initiates data collection subsystem 102 at step 305. Decisionstep 307 is based on the presence of a trigger, or the lack thereof, toterminate data collection subsystem 102. Lack of a trigger results incontinued running of data collection subsystem 102 at step 308, whilethe presence of a “stop” trigger terminates data collection subsystem102 at step 310. In FIG. 3B, administrative control subsystem 101controls the operation of data transmission subsystem 103 by beginningat step 30, acquiring control triggers and user preferences from set-upsubsystem 100 at step 300 and monitoring system 10 for trigger events atstep 301. Decision step 304 is based on the presence of a trigger, orthe lack thereof, to initiate data transmission subsystem 103. Lack of atrigger results in no action at step 303, while the presence of a“start” trigger initiates data collection subsystem 103 at step 306.Decision step 309 is based on the presence of a trigger, or the lackthereof, to terminate data transmission subsystem 103. Lack of a triggerresults in continued running of data transmission subsystem 103 at step308, while the presence of a “stop” trigger terminates data transmissionsubsystem 103 at step 311. In FIG. 3C, administrative control subsystem101 controls the operation of reporting and feedback subsystem 107 bybeginning at step 30, acquiring control triggers and user preferencesfrom set-up subsystem 100 at step 300 and monitoring system 10 fortrigger events at step 301. Decision step 314 is based on the presenceof a trigger, or the lack thereof, to initiate data reporting andfeedback subsystem 107. Lack of a trigger results in no action at step303, while the presence of a “start” trigger initiates data reportingand feedback subsystem 107 at step 316. Decision step 318 is based onthe presence of a trigger, or the lack thereof, to terminate datareporting and feedback subsystem 107. Lack of a trigger results incontinued running of data reporting and feedback subsystem 107 at step308, while the presence of a “stop” trigger terminates data reportingand feedback subsystem 107 at step 320. An example of a trigger eventwould be the expiration of a license agreement for the use of monitoringsystem 10. Administrative control subsystem 101 would use this “stop”trigger to stop all other subsystems. Another example of a trigger eventwould be restarting of the cellular phone or smartphone. Theadministrative control subsystem 101 would use this “start” trigger tostart all subsystems.

The flow chart provided in FIG. 4 illustrates the operation of datacollection subsystem 102, which collects data based on predeterminedtrigger events. Operation of data collection subsystem 102 begins atstep 400 and proceeds to decision step 402. If no “start” trigger eventhas occurred, data collection subsystem 102 continues to monitor system10 for trigger events at step 401. If a “start” trigger event hasoccurred at decision step 402, data collection subsystem 102 begins tocollect operational data at step 403. This data is then stored in localdatabase 104, which typically resides on a mobile phone or similardevice, at step 404. This cycle will continue until a “stop” triggerevent occurs at step 405 at which point data collection subsystem 102will cease collecting operational data and/or other data. An example ofa trigger event would be the motion sensor in the cellular phonedetecting a predetermined speed. Data collection subsystem 102 would usethis “start” trigger to begin collecting operational data. Anotherexample of a trigger event would be a system alarm or predetermined timeintervals. Data collection subsystem 102 would use this “start” triggerto start collecting operational data. Data collection subsystem 102 istypically operative to monitor and record certain data such as, forexample, date; time; current geographic location; speed of motion; speedlimit; direction of motion; and use of cellular phone by the operator.These data may then be used to calculate and derive or determine otherrelevant factors such as, for example, rapid acceleration; rapiddeceleration; change in direction; speed of change in direction;distance travelled; and total travel time. Data collection subsystem 102typically utilizes multiple sensors and services (e.g. one or moreinternal sensors and various application software) resident on oravailable to (i.e., external to) the mobile device such as, for example,a compass; an accelerometer; a global positioning system (GPS); anatomic clock; temperature and weather monitoring; cell phone towertriangulation; and internet access and connectivity.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of data transmissionsubsystem 103, which monitors and manages transmission files 105, whichare resident on the mobile device. Transmission files 105 may be createdby the various other subsystems in monitoring system 10. Operation ofdata transmission subsystem 103 begins at step 500 and proceeds todecision step 501. If a transmission file 105 is available at step 501,data transmission subsystem 103 then checks for the presence of adatalink or internet access at step 502. If a datalink or internetaccess is confirmed, data transmission subsystem 103 then checks for theavailability of central control system 106 at step 503. If theavailability of central control system 106 is confirmed, datatransmission subsystem 103 will transmit local transmission files 105 tocentral control system 106 at step 504 and then receive a transmissionreport 505 from central control system 106 at step 505. If thetransmission report confirms the data transmission was successful atstep 506, data transmission subsystem 103 will then delete localtransmission file 105 at step 507 to free up local resources (i.e.,memory). Data transmission subsystem 103 may utilize various datatransmission technologies such as, for example, wired and wirelessconnections, internet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and infrared. In someembodiments, data transmission occurs in real-time and in otherembodiments, transmission files 105 are stored in the mobile device fora period of time prior to transmission.

With reference again to FIG. 1, central control system 106 is operativeto compare collected, calculated and/or derived data to known orpredetermined parameters or conditions such as, for example, populationdensity for a geographic location; crime rates for a geographiclocation; number of accidents, and elevation above sea level for ageographic location. Central control system 106 may then comparedetected geographic locations and time of day to the presence of anaccident; road construction; full or partial road closures; snowfall;rainfall; and fog, among others. Central control system 106 may alsocompare operator behavior to known geographic location having certaincharacteristics.

One or more algorithms within central control system 106 are operativeto assign ratings with regard to high, medium, or low risk (alternaterating schemes are possible such as a scaled rating from 0-100) to bothoperator behavior and vehicle behavior and then report these ratings tothe operator on a periodic basis. An example of this rating processinvolves an operator operating a motor vehicle at a posted speed limitthat may be classified as low risk when no road construction is presentat the geographic location and classified as higher risk when roadconstruction is present at the same geographic location. Another exampleof this rating process includes an operator operating a motor vehicle atposted speed limit that may be classified as low risk when there is nosnowfall at geographic location and classified as higher risk when thereis snowfall in excess of selected amount at the same geographiclocation. Other risk classification examples include: (i) a geographiclocation may be classified among low risk, medium risk and high riskbased on the number of traffic accidents in the area; (ii) the samegeographic location may be classified as lower risk during summer monthsand as higher risk during winter months based on the amount ofprecipitation; and (iii) a geographic location may be classified amonglow risk, medium risk or high risk based on the type of terrain, e.g.,long straight roads, meandering mountain roads, etc. Classifications,particularly with regard to vehicle fleet management, may also be basedon variables such as (i) the distance/time from a predeterminedlocation; (ii) available capacity (e.g. ability to pick up passengers orgoods to be transported; (iii) the type of goods that may be transported(e.g. liquids, dry, refrigerated, medical); and the amount of drivingtime and non-driving time recorded. Risk classifications may also bederived from data collected from other operators in a common geographicarea. For example, the average speed of all operators using system 10could be determined for a defined area at a certain time and a relativerisk classification could be assigned to any operator deviating from theaverage speed. Operator driving history and/or a history of previoustraffic incidents including accidents and traffic violations may also beused to determine or assign risk categories or classifications.

FIG. 7A depicts an embodiment of the present invention wherein the userinterface with central control system 106 includes a handheld devicesuch as mobile telephone 700 having a visual display 701. FIG. 7Bdepicts an embodiment of the present invention wherein the userinterface with central control system 106 includes a handheld devicesuch as mobile telephone 700, which is in communication with computer702 having a visual display 703. FIG. 7C depicts an embodiment of thepresent invention wherein the user interface with central control system106 includes computer 702 having a visual display 703. Each of theseembodiments may be used for the initial setup of monitoring system 10,viewing trip summaries and/or performance reports, upgrading software,and sending information to and receiving information from centralcontrol system 106, among other purposes.

FIG. 8 depicts a sample data transmission file that includes a pluralityof records, each containing some or all of the data recorded and/orderived from the data recorded by data collection sub system 102including date, time, vehicle speed, speed limit, zip code, direction,use of mobile phone, latitude, and longitude. FIG. 9 is a first exampleof a trip summary report recorded by data collection subsystem 102showing a starting point for a trip, the route followed, and the endingpoint of the trip on a map. FIG. 10 is a second example of a tripsummary report recorded by data collection subsystem 102 showing theactual speed of the vehicle and the speed limit posted on the routefollowed. The graphical representation may also show periods of rapidacceleration, deceleration, or braking The graphical representation mayinclude date and time of the trip. FIGS. 11A-F provide various examplesof usage reports comparing an individual operator's performance to otheroperators. These reports may include summaries of an individualoperator's driving history, including miles driven, driving time,average speed, calculated risk scores, graphical representations of riskratings, graphical representation of operating performance compared toother operators, use of cellular phone and geographies visited. Thereports may include sub-classifications such as posted speed limit, timeof day, type of geography, weather conditions, etc.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the reporting andfeedback subsystem 107. Operation of reporting and feedback subsystem107 begins at step 1200 and proceeds to decision step 1202. If no“start” trigger event has occurred, reporting and feedback subsystem 107continues to monitor system 10 for trigger events at step 1204. If a“start” trigger event has occurred at decision step 1202, reporting andfeedback subsystem 107 displays choices of available reports andfeedback options at step 1206. The user selects one or more options atdecision step 1208, which results in the selected option being displayedat step 1210 or the process ending at step 1212.

While the present invention has been illustrated by the description ofexemplary embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have beendescribed in certain detail, it is not the intention of the Applicant torestrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to suchdetail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear tothose skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broaderaspects is not limited to any of the specific details, representativedevices and methods, and/or illustrative examples shown and described.Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departingfrom the spirit or scope of the applicant's general inventive concept.

What is claimed:
 1. A system for monitoring the behavior of a motor vehicle and the behavior of an operator of that motor vehicle, comprising: (a) at least one mobile device, (i) wherein the mobile device is not physically installed in the motor vehicle being monitored; (ii) wherein the mobile device further includes hardware, software, sensors, and communication functions; (iii) wherein the mobile device further includes at least one information processor resident on the mobile device or in communication with the mobile device; and (iv) wherein the hardware, software, sensors, communication functions and the information processor are operative to gather, record, characterize and communicate information about the behavior of motor vehicle; behavior of the operator of the motor vehicle; details of the geography where the motor vehicle is being operated; details of the environment in which the motor vehicle is being operated; or combinations thereof; and (b) at least one application software resident on the mobile device, (i) wherein the at least one application software interfaces with the hardware, software, sensors, communication functions and the information processor to gather, record, characterize and communicate information about the behavior of the motor vehicle; behavior of the operator of the motor vehicle; details of the geography where the motor vehicle is being operated; details of the environment in which the motor vehicle is being operated; or combinations thereof; and (ii) wherein the at least one application software is activated and deactivated based on certain predetermined trigger events.
 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one central control system that further includes hardware, software, databases, algorithms and communication functions; (a) wherein the database further includes information collected from the at least one mobile device and additional information about the operator, motor vehicle, geography, environment, or combinations thereof; (b) wherein the central control system is operative to aggregate and augment data collected from at least one mobile device; (c) wherein the hardware, software, databases, algorithms and communication functions are operative to gather, record, characterize and communicate information about the operator, vehicle, geography, environment, or combinations thereof; and (d) wherein the central control system includes at least one information processor resident on the central control system.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the at least one information processor resident on the central control system further includes a computer.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one information processor further includes a computer.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one mobile device is a smartphone.
 6. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one algorithm that classifies or provides ratings to motor vehicles, motor vehicle operators, geographies, environments or combinations thereof; wherein the classifications or ratings further include: (a) information relevant to individual motor vehicles, motor vehicle operators, geographies, environments, combinations thereof, or changes in this information over time; and (b) comparative information regarding other motor vehicles, motor vehicle operators, geographies, environments, combinations thereof, or changes in this comparative information over time.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is operative to provide feedback to the user of the system.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the feedback further comprises: (a) information about the operators, vehicles, geographies, environments, system, or combinations thereof; (b) information about a single user, multiple users, or a combination thereof; (c) wherein the feedback format is aural, numerical, graphical, tabular, pictorial, or combinations thereof; and (d) wherein the feedback is provided through the mobile device, the central control system, devices connected to the mobile device or the central control system, or combinations thereof
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the information about the behavior of the motor vehicle, behavior of the operator of the motor vehicle, the details of the geography where the motor vehicle is being operated, the details of the environment in which the motor vehicle is being operated further includes: vehicle make, vehicle model, vehicle model year, vehicle identification number, vehicle use, vehicle passenger capacity, vehicle cargo capacity, vehicle location, vehicle speed, vehicle direction of motion, vehicle history, operator driving history, operator accident history, operator violation history, demographic information, mobile device usage as a telephone while operating the motor vehicle, mobile device usage for internet access while operating the motor vehicle, latitude, longitude, speed limit, elevation, traffic conditions, traffic accidents, presence of construction, presence of hazardous conditions, type of terrain, amount of precipitation, type of precipitation, weather conditions, seasons, presence of other motor vehicles, presence of other vehicle operators, date, time, change in variables over time, combinations thereof, or other information derived from these variables.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein system is used for determining cost of insurance.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein system is used for educating drivers.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein system is used for managing fleets of vehicles; regulatory administration of motor vehicles in a geographic region; law enforcement; providing emergency services; or combinations thereof.
 13. A system for monitoring the behavior of a motor vehicle and the behavior of an operator of that motor vehicle, comprising: (a) at least one mobile device, (i) wherein the mobile device is not physically connected to the motor vehicle being monitored; (ii) wherein the mobile device includes hardware, software, sensors, and communication functions; (iii) wherein the hardware, software, sensors, and communication functions included in the mobile device are operative to gather, record, characterize and communicate information about the behavior of motor vehicle, the behavior of the operator of the motor vehicle, details of the geography where the motor vehicle is being operated, details of the environment in which the motor vehicle is being operated, or combinations thereof; (b) at least one central control system that includes additional hardware, software, databases, algorithms, and communication functions; (i) wherein the databases further include information collected from the at least one mobile device and additional information about the operator, the motor vehicle, geography, environment, or combinations thereof; (ii) wherein the central control system is operative to aggregate and augment data collected from the at least one mobile device; (iii) wherein the additional hardware, software, databases, algorithms and communication functions included in the central control system are operative to gather, record, characterize and communicate information about the operator, vehicle, geography, environment, or combinations thereof; and (c) at least one information processor.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein at least one mobile device is a smartphone.
 15. The system of claim 13, wherein the at least one information processor further includes a computer.
 16. The system of claim 13, further comprising at least one algorithm that classifies or provides ratings to motor vehicles, motor vehicle operators, geographies, environments or combinations thereof; wherein the classifications or ratings further include: (a) information relevant to individual motor vehicles, motor vehicle operators, geographies, environments, combinations thereof, or changes in this information over time; and (b) comparative information regarding other motor vehicles, motor vehicle operators, geographies, environments, combinations thereof, or changes in this comparative information over time.
 17. The system of claim 13, wherein the system provides feedback to the user of the system, and wherein the feedback further comprises: (a) information about the operators, vehicles, geographies, environments, system, or combinations thereof; (b) information about a single user, multiple users, or a combination thereof; (c) wherein the feedback format is aural, numerical, graphical, tabular, pictorial, or combinations thereof; and (d) wherein the feedback is provided through the mobile device, the central control system, devices connected to the mobile device or the central control system, or combinations thereof.
 18. The system of claim 13, wherein the information about the behavior of the motor vehicle, behavior of the operator of the motor vehicle, the details of the geography where the motor vehicle is being operated, the details of the environment in which the motor vehicle is being operated further includes: vehicle make, vehicle model, vehicle model year, vehicle identification number, vehicle use, vehicle passenger capacity, vehicle cargo capacity, vehicle location, vehicle speed, vehicle direction of motion, vehicle history, operator driving history, operator accident history, operator violation history, demographic information, mobile device usage as a telephone while operating the motor vehicle, mobile device usage for internet access while operating the motor vehicle, latitude, longitude, speed limit, elevation, traffic conditions, traffic accidents, presence of construction, presence of hazardous conditions, type of terrain, amount of precipitation, type of precipitation, weather conditions, seasons, presence of other motor vehicles, presence of other vehicle operators, date, time, change in variables over time, combinations thereof, or other information derived from these variables.
 19. The system of claim 13, wherein system is used for determining the cost of insurance.
 20. The system of claim 13, wherein system is used for educating drivers; managing fleets of vehicles; regulatory administration of motor vehicles in a geographic region; law enforcement; providing emergency services; or combinations thereof. 